HAVING plummeted to their lowest league standing for more than two years, Evesham United start the task of climbing the Western Division table at home to basement outfit Swindon Supermarine on Saturday.

A position of 14th certainly gives a false impression but Phil Mullen's men must build on their 3-1 home defeat of Bilston if they are to make headway back up the ladder.

United are in a position where, if they win all their games in hand on the sides above them, they would move into the top five although the chances of overhauling leaders Halesowen and Chippen-ham would appear remote.

Fifth-placed Clevedon, in fact, have played six matches more than the Robins and are only nine points better off.

"The signs were good against Bilston and I really feel that we could still play a major role in the battle for the championship.

"It's going to be a long haul and we need to get some games - and wins - under our belts quickly if we are going to move up the table."

Saturday's visitors to Common Road have won just three of their 22 league matches after promotion from the Hellenic League but have shown recent improvement under new manager John Murphy but lost 2-0 at home to Gresley last weekend.

Evesham could be back in the top six as early as next Tuesday night if they can take maximum points from their next two games. They are due to visit Mangotsfield on Tuesday (7.45), a side they completed the double over last term.

There will be a coach to Mangotsfield leaving the bus station at 5.30pm, ring Andy Beasley on 01386 765108 to reserve your seat.

Mullen's squad has been further depleted on the attacking front with the departure of Dean Roberts, who is expected to sign for Malvern Town.

"I didn't want him to leave but he hasn't been featuring regularly and he felt the time was right to leave," Mullen admitted.

Fellow striker Andy Hodgetts who left last month, has signed for Sutton Coldfield.

Saturday's match is being sponsored by Case & Sons, Shaftesbury, Dorset and the ball by Andy Pauly of the Ivy Inn, Littleton.

United face another rearrangement on Tuesday, February 5 when they travel to Queen Street to face Bilston Town (7.30). The following Tuesday, Stourport Swifts are the visitors to Common Road for another rearranged Western Division clash.